Author Andrew Davies in bid to trace the gangsters who became World War II heroes

DAVIES believes the break-up of Glasgow's gangs in the 20s and 30s had much to do with their involvement in the war where many served in the likes of north Africa or in ­various commando raids in mainland Europe.

A LEADING historian has launched a bid to track down relatives of former Scots gang members who went on to become war heroes.

Andrew Davies says it was World War II– rather than police or law enforcement – which led to the break-up of the gangs who terrorised ­Glasgow in the 20s and 30s.

And he wants Sunday Mail readers to help him trace the men who went on to fight with distinction for their country.

In his book Glasgow and the Rise of the British Gangster, Davies quotes an article from the Glasgow Eastern Standard in 1940, which read: “Most of the­ ­gangsters who earned Glasgow the name of The Chicago of Scotland are now in the army.

“By all accounts many of them have turned out to be excellent soldiers. Some are earning promotion.”

Another article stated gang members were now involved “in a crusade – Britain’s ­crusade against Nazi opposition”.

It added: “Now in the army, many have found their natural bent. Two of the most notorious have already attained ­sergeant’s rank. Look out, Jerry!”

Davies told the Sunday Mail: “I would love to trace surviving family members of these men. It would be great to get their recollections – or any details at all. Former gang members took part in some of the most dangerous operations of Britsh Forces. Many lost their lives.

“Records show many of the most notorious served in the likes of north Africa or in ­various commando raids in mainland Europe.

“It is a fascinating story and one which deserves to be recorded in more detail.”

Davies, senior lecturer at Liverpool University, aims to include any details he is able to glean in an updated version of his account of the gangs.

He said: “More than half of one gang, the Derry Boys, were reported to have signed up after the war broke out.

“The war cast a new light on those who had been gang ­members. They went, in many cases, from being troublesome men of violence to heroic men of combat.”